In L.A., Mike DiGiovanna notes Chargers S Tre Boston has been making "biweekly trips" to Culver City, Calif., to "appear as a guest analyst on the NFL Network’s 'Total Access' show and 'NFL Blitz.'" It is "easy to see why the network targeted Boston." He is one of the "most upbeat, affable and approachable players on the team," and as he "readily acknowledges, he loves to talk." Boston said, "I’ve always had that gift of gab." Boston may eventually "want to do color commentator work for games, but he loves the studio work so far" (L.A. TIMES, 12/27).
MAKING AN IMPACT: THE RINGER's Bill Simmons reflected on John Skipper's resignation as ESPN President and said, “I’ve been lucky enough to have some people who have made a huge impact in my life, and he was definitely one of the top ones. He was an incredible boss to me and gave me so many awesome chances at ESPN, not just Grantland and ’30 for 30,’ but blowing out my column and putting in ESPN Magazine and always being ready to hear my next idea” ("The Bill Simmons Podcast," THE RINGER, 12/20). Simmons acrimoniously left ESPN in '15 when Skipper decided not to re-sign him (THE DAILY).
A MOST INTERESTING MAN: Univ. of Washington football/men's basketball broadcaster Tony Castricone, the man "tasked with telling stories," has a "pretty interesting one himself." Castricone’s journey "led him to driving through 36 states in 40 days -- a trip paid for by his performing country music." He "writes his own songs, has an interest in Christian theology and proposed to his wife in front of the White House." Castricone has "worked with big names" like ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit and CBS’ Allie LaForce. He has called ACC basketball while "doing studio work for Notre Dame and Ohio State football." Now he is "behind the microphone and serves in one of the most important roles within UW’s athletics setup" (Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 12/27).
